By Chidera Akalonu
Nigeria have jumped a place in the latest FIFA World ranking released yesterday ahead of next month’s 2018 World Cup qualifier clash with Cameroon.
Nigeria dropped one place from 38th place to 39th place in July ranking following their shocking 2-0 home loss to South Africa in a 2018 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
In August, the Super Eagles are back to the 38th place again. With 716 points, Nigeria are tied at 38th place with Greece.
The three-time African kings also remained sixth in Africa adrift of leaders Egypt, Congo DR, Senegal, Tunisia, and Cameroon.
The Indomitable Lions, Super Eagles’ opponents in next month’s 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier moved a place up – 35th in the world and fifth in Africa.
On the global stage, Brazil reclaimed the top spot, with the reigning World champions, Germany dropping to second and Argentina remain in third.
Switzerland climbed to fourth – their highest ever position, while Poland, Portugal, Chile, Colombia, Belgium and France complete the top 10.
Jamaica, Concacaf Gold Cup runners-up made the biggest movers in terms of points – gain 172, but Namibia are the biggest movers by rankings – up 20 places to 136th.
The next Fifa/Coca-Cola World ranking will be published on September 14, 2017.
Meanwhile, Former Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, had advised the senior national team players and officials not to allow the current FIFA ranking released on Thursday morning to distract their focus ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
Speaking on the latest ranking, Eguavoen who was part of the Super Eagles squad to the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States of America said the team can always improve if the players put it top performance in every game they play.